Key information
Slightly bigger than a mallard, these long-necked and small-headed ducks fly with a curved back pointed wings and a tapering tail, making this the best way to distinguish them from other ducks in the UK.
The pintail is a 'quarry' species, meaning that it can be legally shot in winter, but - unlike in parts of Europe - it does not appear that shooting is affecting their population status in the UK. The small breeding population and significant winter population make them an Amber List species.
What they eat:
A variety of plants and invertebrates.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 63-70cm
- Wingspan:
- 80-95cm
- Weight:
- 0.55 to 2.2 kg
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 9-33 pairs
- UK wintering:
- 29,000 birds
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Pintail (male)
Pintail (female)
